International Student Project in Cooperation between the University of Pécs Faculty of Business and Economics and the University of Rennes
2026. July 22. 11:10
In the spring semester of 2026, students from the Faculty of Business and Economics of the University of Pécs worked together with students from the University of Rennes on an international project built around a real-life business challenge. The programme was implemented within the framework of cooperation between two partner institutions of the EDUC Alliance. A total of 19 students (8 from the University of Pécs and 11 from the University of Rennes) worked in four international teams throughout the project.
The collaboration focused on the French company Avelwest, a trader and exporter of fresh vegetables, which aimed to explore opportunities for entering the Hungarian market. Working in international, mixed-nationality teams, students took on the role of consultants to address a complex business challenge. Throughout the project, they analysed the Hungarian fresh vegetable market, examined the regulatory environment, developed logistics and financial plans, and prepared marketing and communication recommendations for Avelwest.
The aim of the project was to provide participants with hands-on experience in international business collaboration through real-life corporate challenges, while enhancing their problem-solving, project management, and intercultural competencies. The tasks included analysing the company's brand identity, mapping the Hungarian market, reviewing the legal requirements related to market entry, developing a pilot shipment plan, and creating marketing materials tailored to the Hungarian market. The project offered students the opportunity to apply their acquired knowledge in a practical, internationally oriented environment.
On the Hungarian side, the project was academically coordinated by Dr. Brigitta Szabó-Bálint and Dr. Tímea Venczel-Szakó. The closing event of the programme took place on 5 June 2026, when the student teams presented their recommendations in an online session before a jury composed of academic and corporate experts.
Based on the feedback received, Avelwest expressed its satisfaction with both the students' work and the recommendations they had developed. The commitment and collaboration demonstrated by students from both universities played a significant role in the success of the project, highlighting the value and potential of international educational partnerships.
Initiatives of this kind not only contribute to students' professional development but also strengthen institutional relationships between universities and help prepare participants for successful careers in the international labour market.